'Briatore to make return to Formula 1'

The rumours had been circulating for a while, but it now seems certain: Flavio Briatore is to return to Formula 1. The eccentric former team boss of Benetton and Renault will reportedly take on a role in maintaining commercial relationships.

According to Dutch De Telegraaf journalist Erik van Haren, Briatore will take on an advisory role. He would go on to help the sport's management maintain relationships with promoters of Grands Prix and other commercial projects.

The return comes after a long period of absence. The Italian was suspended by the FIA in 2009 for his part in 'crashgate', in which he deliberately crashed Nelson Piquet Jr. to provoke a safety car situation and thus help Fernando Alonso to victory.

That suspension was invalidated a few months later for lack of evidence. Briatore was not allowed to show his face in the premier class of motorsport for a number of years.